Derbyshire cops commit offences every time they chase criminals

Derbyshire police officers are being affected by this law. (Image: Victoria Wilcox)

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“Whilst officers chasing criminals are exempt from prosecution for not stopping at a red light, exceeding the speed limit, and driving on the off-side of the road around bollards (keep left signs), they are not exempt from the offences of careless driving and dangerous driving.

“This is because the law defines careless driving as 'driving that falls below the standard expected of a careful and competent driver'. Dangerous driving simply falls far below that same standard.”

There is no defence for this in court, as the officer cannot deny that they acted in a way that the “careful and competent driver” would not.

Mr Wetton said: “The issue is that police officers are extremely well-trained and are trained to drive differently to how a normal driver would.

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“They have to drive to a different standard to get to emergency situations quickly enough to help protect the public. They are trained to treat red traffic lights as a Give Way, for example. A 'careful and competent' driver would not do that.

“So officers chasing criminals on the roads should not be judged by the standards of the average driver. They should have their own standards that they adhere to. A failure to meet these standards would, of course, be scrutinised.

“It’s about recognising the different demands and training involved in emergency/pursuit driving, not about exempting emergency services drivers from exercising proper control of their vehicles.”

Mr Wetton argued that, under current law, officers could be prosecuted for simply doing their job.

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He said it “cannot be right that emergency services risk prosecution at work for doing what the public expect”.

Derbyshire Police Federation represents all officers of rank up to and including chief inspector.

Mr Wetton said: “This is about protecting emergency services staff, not just police officers but also paramedics and fire service colleagues, from unfair dangerous driving law. We are hopeful that legislation will be passed in the near future to provide this protection.

“At the moment, the Federation has stopped short of advising police officers to not pursue criminals, but we are continuing to advise them of the risks they face.”

A Home Office spokesperson said: “We recognise the difficult job that police drivers do every day to keep road users and the wider public safe.

“That is why we have worked closely with the Police Federation, other Government departments, road users and road safety advocates to review the law, guidance, and processes surrounding police pursuits.”